The temperature just got a whole lot hotter in the music industry! The nominations for the 2025 BET Awards are officially in, and let us tell you, the African music scene is not just present – it's absolutely thriving! This year's list is a resounding testament to the phenomenal talent and global impact of artists hailing from the Motherland, with a slew of our favorites securing well-deserved recognition across major categories. Get ready to celebrate because Africa is undeniably making its voice heard on one of the biggest stages in Black entertainment!
Leading the charge for the continent's musical might is none other than the sensational Ayra Starr! This 22-year-old Afrobeats powerhouse, aptly nicknamed the "Fashion Killer," has snagged an impressive three nominations, proving her star power is truly reaching stratospheric levels. She's in the running for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, a category that places her alongside some of the biggest names in the global R&B/Pop scene. She's also rightfully recognized in the ‘Best New Artist’ category, solidifying her status as a fresh and exciting force to be reckoned with. And, to top it off, Ayra is nominated for the prestigious ‘Best International Act’, a nod to her ever-expanding influence and fanbase across the globe. These nominations aren't just accolades; they're a powerful reflection of Ayra's incredible journey and her seamless blend of African rhythms with international pop sensibilities.
But the celebration of African excellence doesn't stop there! The incredibly talented Tems, already a global phenomenon whose voice resonates with millions, has also secured two nominations in the deeply meaningful ‘BET Her’ category. Both nominations, for her emotionally charged tracks “Burning” and “Hold On,” are powerful gems from her critically acclaimed debut album, “Born In The Wild.” Tems' ability to convey raw vulnerability and strength through her music has captivated audiences worldwide, and these nominations are a well-deserved recognition of her artistry and her role as one of the most resonant voices in contemporary music. "Born In The Wild" has clearly struck a chord, and these BET Her nods highlight the album's profound impact.
The wave of African nominations continues with a stellar lineup of other incredible artists who are making their mark on the global stage. The ever-innovative Rema, the undisputed African Giant Burna Boy, the sensational South African Amapiano queen Tyla, the Ghanaian rising star Black Sherif, and the electrifying Swazi DJ Uncle Waffles have all earned well-deserved nods in various categories, further solidifying the continent's diverse and dynamic musical landscape.
The ‘Best New International Act’ category, in particular, is a vibrant showcase of the exciting talent bubbling up from across Africa. Nigeria's own rising stars Shallipopi and Odeal are recognized for their groundbreaking sounds, alongside the incredibly talented South African rapper Maglera Doe Boy, Tanzanian vocal powerhouse Abigail Chams, and the infectious beats of South Africa's Dlala Thukzin. This category is a thrilling glimpse into the future of African music and the diverse sounds captivating listeners worldwide.
This year's BET Awards nominations serve as an undeniable testament to the expanding global footprint of African music. The consistent recognition of African artists on major international platforms like the BET Awards underscores the growing appreciation and celebration of the continent's rich musical tapestry and the incredible talent it continues to produce. The world is finally catching up to the infectious rhythms, powerful lyrics, and undeniable star power that have long been a hallmark of African music.
So, get ready to cheer on these incredible artists as they represent the Motherland on one of the biggest nights in Black entertainment! This is more than just an awards show; it's a global celebration of the vibrant sounds and undeniable influence of African music. The world is listening, and Africa is ready to take center stage!
Below is the full list of nominees for your reference:
Album of the Year
$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Glorious – GloRilla
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ayra Starr
Ari Lennox
Coco Jones
Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
Victoria Monét
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher
Best Group
41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
FLO
Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music
Best Collaboration
30 for 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
Alter Ego – Doechii feat. JT
Are You Even Real – Teddy Swims feat. GIVĒON
Beckham – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
Bless – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Burna Boy
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, the Creator
Video of the Year
3AM in Tokeyo – Key Glock
A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
After Hours – Kehlani
Denial is a River – Doechii
Family Matters – Drake
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
Video Director of the Year
Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, the Creator
Best New Artist
41
Ayra Starr
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Dee Billz
Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
A God (There Is) – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
Amen – Pastor Mike Jr.
Better Days – Fridayy
Church Doors – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
Constant – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
Deserve to Win – Tamela Mann
Faith – Rapsody
Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Viewer’s Choice Award
Residuals – Chris Brown
Denial is a River – Doechii
Nokia – Drake
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
TGIF – GloRilla
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Brokey – Latto
Best International Act
Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bashy (United Kingdom)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
MC Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
SDM (France)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best New International Act
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Dr Yaro (France)
KWN (United Kingdom)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (United Kingdom)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
TxC (South Africa)
BET Her
Beautiful People – Mary J. Blige
Blackbiird – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
Bloom – Doechii
Burning – Tems
Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
Heart of a Woman – Summer Walker
Hold On – Tems
In My Bag – FLO & GloRilla
Best Movie
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Luther: Never Too Much
Mufasa: The Lion King
One of Them Days
Rebel Ridge
The Piano Lesson
The Six Triple Eight
Best Actor
Aaron Pierre
Aldis Hodge
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Denzel Washington
Jamie Foxx
Joey B$$
Kevin Hart
Sterling K. Brown
Will Smith
Best Actress
Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Coco Jones
Cynthia Erivo
Keke Palmer
Kerry Washington
Quinta Brunson
Viola Davis
Zendaya
YoungStars Award
Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Gracelyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
Heiress Harris
Melody Hurd
Thaddeus J. Mixson
Tyrik Johnson
VanVan
Sportswoman of the Year Award
A’ja Wilson
Angel Reese
Claressa Shields
Coco Gauff
Dawn Staley
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles
Sportsman of the Year Award
Aaron Judge
Anthony Edwards
Deion Sanders
Jalen Hurts
Jayson Tatum
LeBron James
Saquon Barkley
Stephen Curry
